The Vermont Statutes Online

Title 14: Decedents Estates and Fiduciary Relations

Chapter 061: Executors and Administrators

• Subchapter 001: GENERAL PROVISIONS

• § 901. Repealed. 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 163.

• § 902. Will allowed; letters to executor

  When a will has been allowed, the Probate Division of the Superior Court shall issue letters of administration to the person named executor if the person accepts appointment and gives any required bond. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 35; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 903. Administration; to whom granted

  If an executor is not named in the will, or if a person dies intestate, appointments to administer the estate may be made in the following manner:

  (1) To the surviving spouse or next of kin, or both, or the person nominated by the surviving spouse or next of kin.

  (2) If the surviving spouse or next of kin or the person nominated by them is unsuitable, or if the surviving spouse or the next of kin does not within a reasonable period of time after the death of the person apply for letters of administration or nominate another person to whom letters of administration may be granted, the court may grant letters of administration to one or more of the principal creditors, if competent and willing to serve.

  (3) If there is not a creditor who is competent and willing to serve, letters of administration may be issued to another person appointed by the Probate Division of the Superior Court in its discretion.

  (4) If the appointment is to enable a quiet title action or another action to clear title to lands, the court may appoint a suitable person as the administrator for that purpose upon application of the reputed owner of the land formerly owned by the decedent. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 904. Nonresident executor or administrator

  (a) In all cases where the principal administration is in this State, the Probate Division of the Superior Court shall appoint an executor or administrator who is not domiciled in this State only at the discretion of the court.

  (b) Any nonresident estate fiduciary shall forthwith designate in writing a resident of this State who accepts appointment as the resident agent of the nonresident estate fiduciary and agrees to accept service of legal process and other communications on behalf of the executor or administrator. The appointment and acceptance shall be filed with the court. Service of legal process against the nonresident executor or administrator may be accomplished by serving the resident agent. (Amended 1959, No. 262, § 30, eff. June 11, 1959; 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 36; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 905. Appeal to the Civil Division of the Superior Court

  If any person appeals to the Civil Division of the Superior Court an order appointing an executor or administrator and the appeal is sustained, the Civil Division of the Superior Court shall appoint another suitable person as executor or administrator, and certify the judgment and subsequent appointment to the Probate Division of the Superior Court. The Probate Division shall set bond and, after the required bond is filed by the executor or administrator, grant letters of administration. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 37; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 906. Bond; amount, conditions

  An executor or administrator shall give a bond to secure the executor’s or administrator’s performance of the executor’s or administrator’s duties. The Probate Division of the Superior Court shall set the amount of the bond and may order that the bond have sureties. The bond shall be for the security and benefit of all interested persons, except where a bond is to be taken to the adverse party, and shall be filed before the court issues letters of administration. The court shall set the conditions of any bond, which shall include the following:

  (1) to make and return an inventory to the Probate Division of the Superior Court within 60 days as required by law and the rules of the court;

  (2) to administer according to law and the decedent’s will, if any, all property comprising the decedent’s estate, whether in the possession of the executor or administrator or others for the benefit of the executor or administrator, and discharge all debts, legacies, and charges;

  (3) to render an account of administration to the Probate Division within one year and at any other time when required by the court;

  (4) to pay to the State of Vermont all inheritance and transfer taxes that the person appointed is required to pay by the provisions of 32 V.S.A. chapters 181 and 183 and to perform all other duties required by those chapters; and

  (5) to perform all orders and decrees of the Probate Division. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 38; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 907. Repealed. 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.

• § 908. Bonds of joint administrators and executors

  When two or more persons are appointed as executors or administrators, the Probate Division of the Superior Court may take a separate bond from each, with or without sureties, or a joint bond with or without sureties from any or all. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 909. Executor refusing trust or not giving bond

  A person named as an executor in a will who refuses to accept appointment or neglects for 20 days to give a bond shall not intermeddle or act as executor. If the person refuses to accept or neglects to give a bond, the Probate Division of the Superior Court may grant letters of administration to any other named executor who is capable and willing to accept the appointment and gives bond. If the other named executors fail to accept the appointment or give a bond, the court shall grant letters of administration with the will annexed to one or more suitable persons who would have qualified to be appointed as administrator had the testator died intestate. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 910. When executor is a minor

  When a person named as executor in a will is under age at the time of proving the will, issuance of letters of administration may be granted to another executor named in the will, who accepts appointment and gives the required bond, or to another suitable person if he or she fails to accept appointment or to post bond. A minor who attains the age of legal majority during the estate administration shall not displace the incumbent executor or administrator, but if a vacancy occurs during administration, the former minor may apply to the court for appointment as successor executor or administrator. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• §§ 911, 912. Repealed. 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.

• § 913. Death or removal of executor or administrator

  When an executor or administrator dies, resigns, is removed or the executor’s or administrator’s authority is otherwise extinguished, any remaining executor or administrator may complete the administration unless otherwise provided by the will. If there is no other executor or administrator then serving, the court may grant letters of administration to another suitable person. The executor or administrator of an executor or administrator shall not administer the estate of the first decedent. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 914. Power of new administrator

  An administrator appointed in the place of a former executor or administrator shall have the same authority in settling the estate as the former executor or administrator, including the authority to prosecute or defend actions commenced by or against the former executor or administrator, and the new administrator may revive actions and have execution on judgments recovered in the name of the former executor or administrator on behalf of the estate. (Amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 171, eff. March 29, 1972; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 915. Appointment of administrator to act with survivor

  When an executor or administrator dies, resigns, is removed or authority is otherwise extinguished, leaving a remaining executor or administrator, administration may be granted to some suitable person, to serve with the remaining executor or administrator, upon motion of any person interested in the estate of the deceased. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 40; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 916. Powers of administrator appointed to act with survivor

  An executor or administrator appointed under section 915 of this title shall have the same authority as the remaining executor or administrator and may prosecute or defend actions commenced by or against the former executor or administrator and may revive actions and have execution on judgments recovered in the name of the former executor or administrator on behalf of the estate. (Amended 1971, No. 185 (Adj. Sess.), § 172, eff. March 29, 1972; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 917. Power of regulation

  The Probate Division of the Superior Court shall regulate the conduct of persons appearing in proceedings or involved in the administration of estates or other matters within the court’s jurisdiction. When it appears to the court that a person has failed to comply with procedures required by law or the Rules of Probate Procedure, or that an estate is not being promptly and properly administered, or that a fiduciary is incapable or unsuitable to discharge the trust, the court may give notice of the complaint or omission together with a notice to correct the deficiency or complaint within a specified period of time or cause the party to appear and answer the matter. Notice shall be given as provided by the Rules of Probate Procedure. The court may restrain a person from performing specified acts or the exercise of any powers or discharge of any duties of office, or make any other order to secure proper performance of duty. It may exercise the powers of contempt; tax costs, including surcharge; order a party to pay to other parties the amount of reasonable expenses, including reasonable attorney’s fees, or losses incurred because of an act or omission; and remove or suspend a fiduciary. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 41; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 917a. Termination of appointment

  (a) Termination of appointment of an executor or administrator ends the rights and powers pertaining to the office as conferred by law, the Rules of Probate Procedure, or any will or trust. Termination does not discharge an executor or administrator from liability for transactions or omissions occurring before termination, or relieve the executor or administrator of the duty to preserve assets subject to the executor’s or administrator’s control, or to account for and deliver assets. Termination does not affect the jurisdiction of the Probate Division of the Superior Court over the fiduciary, but terminates the estate fiduciary’s authority.

  (b) The appointment of an executor or administrator is terminated:

  (1) upon death;

  (2) when the estate is closed as provided by the Rules of Probate Procedure;

  (3) after resignation upon the appointment of a successor estate fiduciary and delivery of the assets to the successor; or

  (4) upon removal by the Probate Division of the Superior Court. (Added 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 42; amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 918. One of the coexecutors disqualified, others may act

  When coexecutors appointed in a will cannot act as such, those who can act may be appointed to administer the estate. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 919. Persons unheard from for five years; settlement of estate

  When a person is absent and unheard from for five years or when a certificate of presumed death of a person has been issued under 18 V.S.A. § 5219, that person’s estate shall be subject to administration by the Probate Division of the Superior Court. If a will exists, the will shall be presented to the court and may be allowed and the estate closed thereunder. If no will is found, the court having jurisdiction of the estate may grant letters of administration thereof and proceed with the estate as in the settlement of intestate estates. Distribution of the estate shall not be made until five years after the granting of administration or letters testamentary. Before granting an order for distribution or for payment of legacies named in any will that may have been allowed, the court shall require from the legatees or distributees a bond or bonds with sufficient surety to the court, which may take into account the likelihood of the reappearance of the person presumed deceased, conditioned to return the amount distributed or paid with lawful interest thereon to the person so absent and unheard from upon reappearance and demand for the same. If the distributee or legatee is unable to give the security required by this section, the same shall be placed at interest upon security approved by the court or by the executor or administrator, as the case may be, and the interest shall be paid annually to the distributee or legatee and the estate shall remain at interest until the Probate Division of the Superior Court by which the letters of administration or letters testamentary were granted shall order it paid to the legatees or distributees. Upon motion, an order shall not be made permitting payment or distribution without the security required by this section until at least seven years have elapsed since the granting of letters testamentary or of administration on the estate of the supposed decedent. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 43; 1989, No. 236 (Adj. Sess.), § 2, eff. June 4, 1990; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 920. Liability of executor; rights on return

  After the administration and distribution, the executor or administrator shall not be liable to the person so absent and unheard from in any action for the recovery of the estate. If the absent person proves to be alive, he or she shall be entitled to his or her estate notwithstanding a settlement and distribution made pursuant to section 919 of this title, and may bring an action to recover any portion of the estate that anyone received as a result of the settlement and distribution. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 921. Property of persons serving in armed force — Absent persons, conservator

  When a person, hereinafter referred to as an absentee, who is serving in or with the U.S. Armed Forces, its allies, or as a crew member of a merchant vessel, has been reported or listed as missing, missing in action, interned, or beleaguered, besieged, or captured by an enemy, and has an interest in any property in this State and has not provided an adequate power of attorney authorizing another to act on the absentee’s behalf in regard to the absentee’s property, the Probate Division of the Superior Court may appoint a conservator to take charge of the absentee’s estate under the supervision and subject to the further orders of the court. The appointment may be made upon a petition alleging the foregoing facts, showing the necessity of providing for the care of property, and may be brought by any person who would have an interest in the property if the absentee were deceased, or on the court’s own motion. The court shall schedule a hearing and notice shall be given as provided by the Rules of Probate Procedure. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 44; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 922. Powers of conservator; bond

  The Probate Division of the Superior Court shall have full discretionary authority to appoint any suitable person as conservator and may require the conservator to post an adequate surety bond and to make reports the court may deem necessary. The conservator shall have the same powers and authority as the guardian of the property of a minor or incapacitated person. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 45; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 923. Termination of conservatorship

  At any time upon motion signed by the absentee, or of an attorney-in-fact acting under an adequate power of attorney granted by the absentee, the Probate Division of the Superior Court shall direct the termination of the conservatorship and the transfer of all property held thereunder to the absentee or to the designated attorney-in-fact. Likewise, if at any time subsequent to the appointment of a conservator it shall appear that the absentee has died and an executor or administrator has been appointed for the absentee’s estate, the court shall direct the termination of the conservatorship, an accounting therein, and the transfer of all property of the deceased absentee held thereunder to the executor or administrator. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 46; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 924. Revocation of letters of administration—When will discovered

  When, after granting letters of administration of the estate of a person as if dying intestate, a will of the deceased person is allowed, the letters of administration shall be revoked and the powers of the administrator cease, the letters of administration shall be surrendered, and an accounting shall be filed as the Probate Division of the Superior Court directs. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 47; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 925. Powers of executor of discovered will

  In such case, the executor of the will may demand, sue for, and collect the goods, chattels, rights, and credits of the deceased remaining unadministered, and may prosecute to final judgment actions commenced by the administrator before the revocation of his or her letters of administration. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 926. Revocation of letters not to avoid acts under them

  Before the revocation of his or her letters testamentary or of administration, the acts of an executor or administrator shall be valid the same as if revocation had not been made. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 927. Executor or administrator of deceased partner—access to books

  The executor or administrator of a deceased partner at all times shall have access to and make examination and take copies of the books and papers relating to the partnership business, and at all times shall have the right to examine and make invoices of the property belonging to the partnership. The surviving partner or partners, on request, shall exhibit to him or her all the books, papers, and property in their hands or control. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 928. Probate Division of the Superior Court may compel compliance

  The Probate Division of the Superior Court in which is pending a proceeding for the settlement of the estate of a deceased partner, on motion of the executor or administrator, may cite a surviving partner or partners before it, and, by a proper order or decree, compel the granting of the rights given in section 927 of this title and may enforce an order or decree by issuing its warrant to commit the partner or partners to the custody of the Commissioner of Corrections until compliance is given. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 48; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 929. Buildings to be kept in repair

  An executor or administrator shall maintain in tenantable repair the houses, buildings, and fences belonging to the estate and deliver the same in such repair to the heirs or devisees when directed by the Probate Division of the Superior Court. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 930. Estate not willed

  An executor shall administer the estate of the testator not disposed of by will.

• § 931. Limitations on claims of creditors

  All claims against the decedent’s estate that arose before the death of the decedent, including claims of the State and any subdivision thereof except claims filed by the State on behalf of Vermont Medicaid, absolute or contingent, liquidated or unliquidated, founded on contract, tort, or other legal basis, if not barred earlier by other statute of limitations, are barred against the estate, the legal representative of the estate, and the heirs and devisees of the decedent, unless presented within one year after the decedent’s death. Nothing in this section affects or prevents any proceeding to enforce any mortgage, pledge, or other lien upon the property of the estate. Claims filed by the State on behalf of Vermont Medicaid must be filed in accordance with subsection 1203(d) of this title. (Added 1973, No. 228 (Adj. Sess.), § 1, eff. April 3, 1974; amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 49; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5; 2023, No. 113 (Adj. Sess.), § E.307, eff. July 1, 2024.)

• Subchapter 002: SPECIAL ADMINISTRATORS

• § 961. Special administrator; appointment when estate jeopardized; conduct of business

  When the interests of the estate of a deceased person will be jeopardized by the delay intervening between death and the appointment of an administrator or executor, the Probate Division of the Superior Court may, upon motion of an heir or next of kin, appoint a special administrator to act until an administrator or executor is appointed and qualified. The special administrator may continue operation of the business conducted by the deceased, including application for and operating under the transfer of any license held by the deceased for the dispensing of alcoholic beverages. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 50; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 962. Appointment in case of delay

  When there is delay in granting letters testamentary or of administration, occasioned by an appeal from the allowance or disallowance of a will, or from other cause, the Probate Division of the Superior Court may appoint a special administrator to act in collecting and taking charge of the estate of the deceased until the questions causing the delay are decided and an executor or administrator is appointed. An appeal shall not be allowed from the appointment of a special administrator. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 51; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 963. Powers

  A special administrator shall collect the goods, chattels, and credits of the deceased and preserve the same for the executor or administrator afterwards appointed and for that purpose may commence and maintain actions as an administrator and may sell perishable and other personal estate as the Probate Division of the Superior Court orders sold and may allow or deny claims against the estate as otherwise provided by law. (Amended 1985, No. 144 (Adj. Sess.), § 52; 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 964. Liability for debts

  A special administrator shall not be liable to an action by a creditor or to pay any debts of the deceased. With the consent of the Probate Division of the Superior Court, he or she may pay the expenses of the last sickness and the funeral expenses of the deceased and any bills against the estate of the deceased of his or her own contracting. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 965. Bond

  Before entering upon the duties of his or her trust, a special administrator shall give a bond as the court directs, conditioned that he or she will make and return a true inventory of the goods, chattels, rights, credits, and effects of the deceased that come to his or her possession or knowledge, and that he or she will truly account for such as are received by him or her, when required by the Probate Division of the Superior Court, and will deliver the same to the person afterwards appointed executor or administrator or to a person authorized to receive the same. (Amended 2009, No. 154 (Adj. Sess.), § 238a, eff. Feb. 1, 2011; 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)

• § 966. Powers to cease, when

  Upon granting letters testamentary or of administration on the estate of the deceased, the powers of the special administrator shall cease. He or she shall forthwith deliver to the executor or administrator the goods, chattels, monies, and effects of the deceased in his or her hands, and the executor or administrator may prosecute to final judgment actions commenced by the special administrator. (Amended 2017, No. 195 (Adj. Sess.), § 5.)